DPS troopers recently completed a three day effort to crackdown on unsafe commercial vehicles.

KUT News

Texas Department of Public Safety Completes ‘Roadcheck 2012’

Earlier this month, DPS troopers and civilian inspectors joined forces to make the roads safer in Texas. Inspecting more than 8,000 commercial vehicles, over a three-day period, the department issued thousands of citations and removed 1,763 vehicles and 243 drivers from the roads, according to a statement issued yesterday.

The program checks 18-wheelers, buses, and other commercial vehicles for things like unsafe brakes and tires. Drivers’ logs, driving time limits and licenses are also inspected.

The effort was part of the annual nationwide “Roadcheck” program sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. According to DPS, efforts will continue throughout the year as “Operation Texas Thunder,” targeting specific areas in search of unsafe and aggressive driving.

Sewage Spill May Contaminate Well Water in Southeast Travis County

People within a half mile radius of East William Cannon Drive and Running Water Drive with their own water wells are being urged to boil their water or use other sources due to a sewage spill.

A spill into Marble Creek occurred yesterday morning at 10 a.m., according to Austin Water, and let more than 100,000 gallons of wastewater sewage into the creek.

The utility reports that the public drinking water supply is not affected, but that those who use wells should take precautions. More information is available from the City of Austin.

Central Texas Red Cross Staff to Aid Wildfire Response in Colorado

Local responders are sharing their hard earned knowledge from the Central Texas wildfires.

Central Texas Red Cross Communications Director Sara Kennedy will travel today to speak with communities affected by wildfires in Colorado. Of the six states included in a National Weather Service “Red Flag” warning, Colorado is currently the hardest hit with roughly ten wildfires burning.

Fire-ravaged Bastrop State Park is in second place in an online competition naming “America’s Favorite Park.” At stake? First place is a $100,000 grant, second place nets $50,000 and third place gets $25,000.

The park was devastated last year by the Labor Day wildfires which burned 96 percent of the historic 6,500 acre park. Texas Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Rob McCorkle says the grant money would allow the park to extend a contract with an American YouthWorks team that’s been rebuilding trails and bridges.

McCorkle says despite the damage done by the fires, the park is making a comeback. “Everything is pretty much up and running – it’s just the landscaping that took such a serious hit from the fires.” The park largely reopened in April.